Euro 2012: Well, We Didn’t Really Want it Anyway

By: Martha | April 18th, 2007

Happy Poles. Well, hell. All of us who were fantasizing about a football-filled trip to Italy in summer 2012 can just forget those dreams, because UEFA this morning award the Euro 2012 tournament to Poland and Ukraine. Doh!

Despite the optimism expressed by Italian officials going into the announcement — not to mention the pro-Italy odds the bookmakers were offering — it looks like the recent violence had a significant effect on UEFA’s decision-making process. And, as Bob and others pointed out in the comments yesterday, that is as it should have been. Without the death in Sicily and even the recent Champions League problems in Rome, it probably would have been a no-brainer to give the big show to Italy. Under current circumstances, though, UEFA were forced to consider not only possible safety issues for the zillions of fans who will travel to attend the tournament, but also the message they’d be sending to the rest of the footballing world if they awarded the event to Italy. Had they done so, their high ground in demanding reforms in trouble areas around the world would have been totally lost — after all, if a cop is killed in Italy and they still get to host a major international tournament, what motivation is there for anyone else to clean up their acts?

So, disappointing as it is, this is probably the only decision UEFA could make. And, hey, I’ve always wanted to see Ukraine!

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Category: Rumors & News

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bruno

As soon as I heard that UEFA pushed back the expansion of the Euro to 24 teams until 2016 I knew that Euro 2012 would not go to Italy. If it had been expanded for 2012 only Italy would have had enough venues to pull it off. Poland/Ukraine is a good choice nevertheless. Italy have other things to worry about right now. Maybe a bid for WC 2018? Not likely, but it could happen.
Sam

I was surprised at this, like I said, but I think it'll be cool. Austria/Switzerland is the first time the Euro goes to a non-powerhouse country, and it looks like UEFA is branching out a bit more. Who know, maybe 2016 will be Armenia and Azerbaidjan.
Lukasz

"I mean, I guess good for Poland/Ukraine. Kinda brutal for the casual fan, especially in America. I mean, people from all over the world travel to Italy and Euro 2012 would’ve been a no brainer for some. I don’t see motivation to go eat goulash and drink warm vodka, but heh, what do I know? "

Yeah u probably know nothing. Belive me both Poland and Ukraine are beutifull places. Kiev is just amazing city, and for sure polish/ukrainian food is much better than crappy italian pizzas;]

"I’m not entirely convinced there is no corruption in Poland or the Ukraine. And niether am I convinced fans will be safe there. "

You will be safe in Poland for sure. We are not in 80's or 90's anymore.

I am really sorry guys, if u wanted to travel to Italy, then u can do it even tommorow. But to see Euro 2012 u will be forced to come to Poland/ Ukraine, and u will be reaaaaly suprised.

Greetz
Martha

Poland is dealing with corruption issues right now, Pat, so they're by no means the picture of innocence. Honestly -- and perhaps I'm being too cynical here -- I think the PR angle is key for UEFA. The international coverage of problems in Polish football has been virtually nil, while what happened in Italy was all over the world's press; even people who care not at all about football knew what happened. They'd look pretty bad giving it to Italy, while no one hears bad things about Poland and Ukraine.

That said, I feel pretty comfortable assuming UEFA won't knowingly put fans in danger for the same of improving their PR. (She said hopefully.)
patcook

I'm not entirely convinced there is no corruption in Poland or the Ukraine. And niether am I convinced fans will be safe there.
Muddia Beduddia

I mean, I guess good for Poland/Ukraine. Kinda brutal for the casual fan, especially in America. I mean, people from all over the world travel to Italy and Euro 2012 would've been a no brainer for some. I don't see motivation to go eat goulash and drink warm vodka, but heh, what do I know?